Twitter (X) Character Counter
This Twitter (X) character counter helps you count characters for Twitter tweets accurately before posting. It shows the real-time character count on Twitter/X, so you can avoid tweets being cut off or rejected.
Twitter (X) Character Limits Guide
History of Twitter Character Limit Updates
March 21, 2006
140 characters
November 7, 2017
280 characters
February 9, 2023
4,000 characters for Twitter Blue subscribers
April 13, 2023
10,000 characters for X Premium subscribers
June 20, 2023
25,000 characters for X Premium subscribers
Current Status: Twitter users subscribed to X Premium (formerly Twitter Blue) are allowed 25,000 characters per tweet. Users with a free account are still limited to 280 characters.
Why 280 Characters?
At its inception in 2006, Twitter (originally Twttr) was an SMS-based service. SMS messages were limited to 160 characters. Twitter reserved 20 characters for the username, leaving 140 for the tweet. Even after moving to the web, this limit became a defining feature of the platform's brevity.
Language Differences
The shift to 280 characters in 2017 was driven by language density. For example, "Good morning" is 12 characters in English but only 3 (早上好) in Chinese. Asian languages like Chinese, Japanese, and Korean remained at 140 characters as they can convey more information with less text.
Introduction to our X Character Counter
It’s hard to imagine the internet without the constant buzz of Twitter (now known as X). As a platform known for brevity, Twitter’s 280-character limit is as iconic as its logo.
Our Twitter (X) Character Counter is designed to help you craft the perfect tweet within these limits. Whether you're a free user limited to 280 characters or an X Premium subscriber with 25,000, this tool ensures your message fits and displays correctly.
How to Use Our Twitter Counter
Simply type your text in the textbox at the top of the page. You will see the tweet length displayed as "POST" along with the "X PREMIUM" limit. The tweet length limit is 280 characters for free accounts and 25,000 for X Premium subscribers.
Note: Twitter counts characters, not words. If you need a word count, use our Word Counter.
Below the textbox, you'll find buttons to Copy Text or Post Tweet directly to Twitter.
Metrics Explained
DM Limit (10,000)
Direct Messages have a generous limit of 10,000 characters (approx 1,500-2,000 words). This is 10x more than Instagram's DM limit.
Bio Limit (160)
Your bio is limited to 160 characters (about 25-32 words). This is your elevator pitch—make every character count!
Username Limit (15)
Your unique handle (e.g., @username). It appears in your profile URL (twitter.com/username) and cannot be changed easily.
Profile Name Limit (50)
Your display name (e.g., "John Doe"). It can be changed anytime and allows for more creativity than your username.
Special Counting Rules
CJK Characters Count as 2
Each Chinese, Japanese, or Korean character counts as 2 characters. For example, 100 Chinese characters = 200 Twitter characters.
Emojis Count as 2
Emojis typically count as 2 characters each. Our tool automatically calculates this weighted length for you.
The Art of Brevity
Why Condensing is Difficult
Whether you are a first-time user or a frequent tweeter, it’s not always easy to condense your point. Even experienced users find themselves staring at the screen, trying desperately not to go over the count.
However, this limit is one of the best things about Twitter. Attempting to express yourself in the fewest words takes practice, but it makes your message sharper.
Short Text Captures Attention
In our modern society, people have short attention spans. If you are trying to advertise something, you want to get it across immediately. Short tweets respect your reader's time. If you beat around the bush, they’ll just scroll to the next post.
Did You Know?
According to TrackSocial, tweets within the ideal range of 71 to 100 characters get the most retweets on average.
Also, despite the 280-character limit, only 1% of tweets hit the limit, and only 5% surpass 190 characters. Most users naturally prefer brevity.
Tips for Writing Better Tweets
Keep it Short and Sweet
Concise writing is key. Stay on one topic. If you're struggling, use our Word Counter to edit first.
Include a Call-to-Action
Leave your audience with a clear message: "Follow us," "Click the link," or "Retweet if you agree."
Establish a Voice
Be conversational without being too informal. Find a tone that fits your personal brand or business identity.
Limit Hashtags
Use no more than two hashtags per tweet. Too many can deter engagement. Use relevant tags like #tech or #marketing.
How to Send an Effective Twitter DM
Twitter has a daily limit of 1,000 DMs, so use them wisely. Here is how to stand out:
- Get to the Point: Be straightforward. Nobody is entitled to respond, so be truthful and clear to get a reply.
- Respond Right Away: Shows respect for the other person's time and strengthens the relationship.
- Respect Privacy: Move to DMs when sharing sensitive info like phone numbers or emails.
- Use Media: Photos, GIFs, or videos can emphasize your point and make the conversation more enjoyable.
How to Create a Unique Twitter Username
Use Your Name
Fuse first and last name (e.g., @ssmith) or use a nickname. Classic and professional.
Add Numbers
Add a favorite number or birth year if your name is taken. Limit to 2-3 digits to avoid looking like a bot.
Incorporate a Quality
Add a skill or job title (e.g., @bobthesalesguy) to attract people with similar interests.
Writing a Twitter Bio
Aside from tweets, your bio is crucial for credibility. It's your elevator pitch.
- Introduce Yourself: Describe what you do and brag about your brand a little.
- Use Emojis: With limited space (160 chars), emojis convey personality and save space.
- Include Keywords: Use relevant industry keywords so people can find you.
"Writing a good, solid Tweet takes time and practice. Hopefully, these quick tips will help you grow your brand in no time."
Common Reasons to Use a Character Counter for Twitter
Avoid Tweet Truncation
Make sure your entire message is visible and not cut off after posting.
Write Better Twitter Threads
Check each tweet’s length to keep threads readable and consistent.
Social Media Marketing
Optimize tweet length to improve clarity, engagement, and click-through rates.
X Character Counter
Works for both Twitter and X, helping you preview tweet length before posting.
FAQ – Twitter & X Character Counting
How many characters in a tweet?
There are 280 characters in a tweet. Paste your text above to see if it fits the 280 character limit.
What is the character limit on Twitter?
The character limit on twitter is 280 characters.
Do spaces count as characters on Twitter?
Yes, Twitter includes spaces and enter keys (also known as a carriage return).
Does Twitter's tweet character limit include URLs?
Yes, Twitter does include URLs in the character count. Links are counted as a fixed length (23 characters) regardless of their actual text length.
Does Twitter's tweet character limit include hashtags?
Yes, Twitter does include hashtags in the character count.
Does Twitter's tweet character limit include usernames?
Yes it does, however tweet replies do not.
Do images count as characters on twitter?
No, images, videos, GIFs, polls, and Quote Tweets do not count as characters.
Do emojis count as characters on Twitter?
Yes, each emoji counts as 2 characters on Twitter.
Can I use bold or italic text on Twitter?
Twitter doesn't have a built-in formatting toolbar. However, you can use external tools to generate Unicode characters that look like bold or italic text. Keep in mind these count as separate characters.
Is this an official Twitter/X tool?
No, this is an independent tool designed to help you estimate tweet length before posting.
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